Ocala, Florida, USA – July 13, 2024 – Spectators and exhibitors flocked to the WEC Grand Arena at World Equestrian Center – Ocala (WEC) on Saturday night for the highly anticipated $75,000 Mars Equestrian Grand Prix. Twenty-four horse-and-rider combinations from nine nations competed for a podium finish, but it was Rodrigo Lambre (BRA) who stole the show. Riding Ilan Ferder’s J’Adore van het Klinkhof (Thunder Vd Zuuthoeve x Tequilla Van Het Noordeneind), Lambre secured his first WEC – Ocala grand prix victory.

FEI Level III course designer Manuel Esparza (MEX) crafted a challenging track with a tight time allowed and winding obstacles. Only five riders qualified for the jump-off, including some of the industry’s quickest: Sharn Wordley (NZL), Alberto Michan (ISR), Tracy Fenney (USA), Chloe Reid (USA), and Rodrigo Lambre (BRA).

Thursday’s Welcome Prix winners, Sharn Wordley (NZL) and Della Wordley’s Hagelin, were the first to return in the jump-off. They were fast at 36.768 seconds but had an unlucky rail down.

Next, Israel’s Alberto Michan (ISR) piloted Joint de Canabis van de Doornhoeve (Canabis Z x Evidento v.d. Doornhoeve), a 10-year-old Dutch Warmblood (KWPN) gelding, to a quick and clear round, setting the pace at 36.812 seconds.

Tracy Fenney (USA) and MTM Apple followed, clocking the fastest time at 35.501 seconds but suffering a heartbreaking rail that kept them out of the top placings.

Chloe Reid (USA) aboard her up-and-coming partner Chelsea 179 (Cador 5 x Laudana), a nine-year-old Oldenburg mare, completed the course in 38.519 seconds, placing behind Michan.

Finally, Rodrigo Lambre (BRA) entered the arena with the 15-year-old Belgian Warmblood mare J’Adore van het Klinkhof. “I know the mare very well. We have been in many jump-offs together, so I knew I didn’t have to go crazy to get the time, but be fast enough,” he shared. “I rode off my eye for most of the jump-off because she can just land and go. The last oxer was a bit tricky, so I wanted to be a little square so she could step right, and she was perfect.” The pair stopped the clock at a winning time of 35.946 seconds.

Lambre spoke about his partnership with the talented mare, “I’ve been riding her for four years. My brother, Santiago Lambre, rode her for a bit in America, then I got her back. I learned a lot about the mare when Santiago was riding her, and I think I am riding her better than before. She always tries when she goes in the ring and jumps her heart out for me.”

Sharn Wordley (NZL) also snagged the fastest four-faulter award aboard his other mount, Valentine Car, with a quick first round time of 76.660 seconds with one down. 

Ana Christina Rodriguez (GUA) received the ‘Luck of the Draw’ award. 

Final Results – $75,000 MARS Equestrian Grand Prix.

1) Rodrigo Lambre (BRA) & J’Adore van het Klinkhof, Ilan Ferder: 0 | 0 | 35.946

2) Alberto Michan (ISR) & Joint de Canabis van de Doornhoeve, Alberto Michan: 0 | 0 | 36.812

3) Chloe Reid (USA) & Chelsea 179, Live Oak Plantation: 0 | 0 | 38.519

4) Tracy Fenney (USA) & MTM Apple, MTM Farm: 0 | 4 | 35.501

5) Sharn Wordley (NZL) & Hagelin, Della Wordley: 0 | 4 | 36.768

6) Sharn Wordley (NZL) & Valentine Car, Fernando Cardenas: 4 | 76.660

7) Sharn Wordley (NZL) &Brin d’Or De Haute Melen Z, Della Wordley: 4 | 77.929

8) Dorothy Douglas (USA) & Conlugo PS, Lawson Whitaker (USA), Lawson Whitaker: 4 | 79.759

9) Tracy Fenney (USA) & MTM Pablo, Davenport Farms: 4 | 79.970

10) Ramiro Quintana (ARG) & Langobardo BF, Esperanza Imports, LLC: 4 | 80.207

Source: Press Release from the World Equestrian Center

Photos: © WEC / Andrew Ryback Photography

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